Katie and Joe’s love story started years ago. 8 years ago to be exact. They met in high school and for the first several times Joe asked her out, Katie turned him down. Eventually he won her over and in the years they’ve shared they’ve grown together both into the people they are today and in the love between them. Just last month they professed that love in front of their friends and family, in front of those who have supported and cheered for them in the years they’ve shared. They had the sweetest Wisconsin country wedding that included them getting ready on Katie’s parent’s farm, photos with their wedding party on hay bales, and pictures with their wedding party in the high school they attended together.
Katie and her girls started their day by getting ready together at her parent’s house. Before she started to get her hair and makeup done, her girls presented her with a scrapbook they made complete with letters each of them wrote to her. That set the tone for a happy and emotional morning for all of them.
Meanwhile, Joe and his guys spent the morning hanging out together before they all had to get ready.
Joe and Katie chose to see each other before the ceremony. They did their first look at Joe’s parent’s house because they love their lane, the house, and the barns that are on the property. Joe’s dad really wanted to reside their old red barn before the wedding but Joe and Katie wouldn’t let him because they loved the weathered wood.
They even had two of the groomsmen walk their pup down so that she could be in some pics with them too! Isn’t she just the cutest pup?!?!?
Next we met their wedding party back at Katie’s parent’s and the fun really kicked off! Katie had seen a photo similar to this wedding party one on Pinterest and since her family bales their own hay, she really wanted to try it. With the help of her brother who moved all the bales in place, and an incredible wedding party who were more than happy to scale the pile of hay, her dream of this photo could become a reality!
Since Katie and Joe started dating in high school, they really wanted to take some photos at their old school. One of the coaches let them all into the building and we had fun playing around in the gym for a few minutes to get some of these fun images.
After that, it was time to head to the BARn in Platteville where they would be having their ceremony. We did some wedding party and family pics there on the property before the guests started to arrive.
Before we all knew it, it was time for the ceremony! Katie and Joe locked a unity lock during their ceremony then tied the key to a set of balloons that represented their grandparents who had passed away. They then released the balloons with the key attached and let them float away. It was a very sweet moment.
After the wedding there was lots of merriment and excitement as guests enjoyed cocktail hour. The wedding party went to The Annex in Platteville to hang out for a little while.
Their reception was fun with lots of pretty details that Katie and her family spent time putting together. She and Joe surprised all their guests by doing the Evolution of Dance song for their first dance and it got the entire tent of people on their feet to watch!
Before we left for the night, we snuck Katie and Joe out for a few sunset and then night photos. It’s always great for the wedding couple to get away from everyone for a few minutes and get some time to themselves. Katie and Joe loved that time away!
Thank you to the vendors that made Katie and Joe’s wedding day amazing: Ceremony/Reception Venue: The BARn, Platteville WI / Photography: UnPosed Photography, Galena IL / Florist: Hy-Vee, Dubuque IA / Hair & Makeup: Amanda with Encore Hair Salon, East Dubuque IL /Bridal Gown: Charlotte’s Bridal, La Cross WI / Bridesmaids Attire: I Do Bridal, Galena IL / Groom & Groomsmen Attire: I Do Bridal, Galena IL / Entertainment: The After Party, Holy Cross IA / Catering: Poor Man’s Catering, Durango IA / Cake: Sweetheart Bakery, Galena IL / Transportation: Tipsy Trolley, Cuba City WI
Katie and Joe, we wish you two so much happiness in your life together!!! Thank you for letting us share your day with you!
-c&j-